Birthday /ˈbərTHˌdā/ n. An annual reminder that time is both a gift and a thief; the intersection of who we were and who we’re becoming.
From every mistake comes a lesson – would be nice to think that I only average one mistake per year. Here’s a collection of my learnings (and unlearnings) from life thus far:
- Doing things right is less important than doing things for the right reasons.
- Everyone knows something you don’t.
- You can’t have mental health without physical health.
- Your choices shape your identity, not the other way around.
- You can’t change people, but you can bring out the best in them.
- Read more fiction than non-fiction – not everything has to be productive or educational.
- People can’t read your mind. If you need or want something, speak up.
- Share your progress, not your goals.
- When seeking advice, go to someone in a different life stage than you.
- You’ll never regret a workout, but you will regret skipping one.
- No one cares if you fail – those who do are just focused on their own failures.
- Anger is an important signal. The key is to be angry with the right thing, in the right amount, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way.
- Talk with older people you respect and ask what they wish they had started doing in their 20s, then start doing that thing immediately.
- Trust the timing of your life – it’s less about fate and more about faith.
- Don’t skip boob tape just because you trust your outfit to hold up for the evening.
- Money is a) a renewable resource that buys you b) options.
- Insecurities will only grow if ignored – either fix or accept them.
- A skincare routine is cheaper than Botox.
- You don’t owe anyone an explanation for the choices you make, especially if they don’t affect others.
- Own up to your mistakes and apologize when you’re wrong.
- If you’re always waiting for the worst to happen, it probably will.
- It doesn’t matter if others think your partner is cool – what matters is that you do.
- If it feels wrong, it probably is.
- Try to ask more questions than you answer.
- Feelings are valid, but not always factual.
- Lagom – everything in moderation.
- Eight hours of sleep and 100 ounces of water can take you further than you think.
- Avoiding giving unsolicited advice; it’s often just a projection of your own insecurities, anyways.
- Be kind, but always have a “fuck off” chambered and ready to go (just in case).
- You come into this world with nothing and leave the same way – don’t place too much value on material things.
- Some things in life just don’t happen twice – so buy those Eras Tour tickets when you have the opportunity.
Last year, I wished to win the Powerball (spoiler: didn’t happen). I’m blaming Luke, since he failed to put all thirty candles on the cake. We won’t be making that same mistake this year.